Elizabeth Fry (21st May 1780 - 12th October 1845)

Elizabeth and Joseph Fry were married in 1799, moving to live in London, where Elizabeth gave birth to 8 children between 1800 and 1812. They were members of the Society of Friends (Quakers), and Elizabeth became a preacher.

In 1831 a family friend visited Newgate prison and was so shocked by what he saw that Elizabeth decided to go there for herself. She found 300 women and children packed into four rooms without beds or warm clothing. They had nothing to do, and hardened criminals were mixed with those waiting for trial.

Elizabeth began to go there regularly, taking in clothes and setting up a school, Chapel and proper supervision. The women were given sewing to do, and heard the Bible read to them. Together with other Quakers, Elizabeth Fry set up the 'Association for the Improvement of Female prisoners in Newgate'.